GoodSports
In 2024, we proudly supported Good Sports, a nonprofit dedicated to creating equitable access in youth sports. Recognizing the growing divide between families who can afford sports participation and those who can’t, Good Sports provides equipment to high-need communities, serving youth ages 3-18, 75% of whom are children of color. By reducing overhead costs for youth organizations, they help more kids stay active, connected, and engaged in their communities. Good Sports believes every child deserves the chance to succeed, both on and off the field.
Dion Foundation
In 2023, we proudly raised $125,000 in support of the Dion Foundation for Children with Rare Disease, a nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of children and families affected by rare medical conditions. The foundation focuses on raising awareness, funding research, and providing financial assistance to families facing the unique challenges of rare diseases. Through their efforts, the Dion Foundation offers hope and support to those navigating the complexities of rare diagnoses, ensuring that no child or family faces these challenges alone.
Norwich University Fins & Feathers
In 2022, we proudly supported Norwich University Fins & Feathers, an organization dedicated to supporting military veterans and first responders through outdoor activities like fishing and hunting. These experiences provide opportunities for connection, camaraderie, and healing, offering participants a sense of community and solace in nature.
Our contribution helped Norwich University Fins and Feathers continue their mission of giving back to those who serve, ensuring they have the support and resources needed to thrive.
Corey C. Griffin Foundation
In 2021, we proudly supported the Corey C. Griffin Foundation, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of children through healthcare and education. Inspired by Corey’s legacy of generosity and compassion, the foundation funds programs that provide critical resources to underserved youth, including scholarships, mentorship opportunities, and support for children with medical needs. By empowering kids to reach their full potential, the Corey C. Griffin Foundation continues to honor Corey’s vision of creating a brighter future for those who need it most.
The Nantucket Boys & Girls Club and PASCON
In 2020, The Big Game Battle supported two vital Nantucket organizations: The Nantucket Boys & Girls Club and PASCON.
The Boys & Girls Club empowers local youth through education, fitness, and personal development programs. PASCON provides compassionate palliative care, grief counseling, and support for families facing life-threatening illnesses.
Through these contributions, the tournament reinforced its commitment to giving back to the Nantucket community.
One Mission
Home Base
We raised $165,000 in 2018 for Home Base, a Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Program. Home Base is dedicated to healing the invisible wounds for Veterans, Service Members and their Families through world-class clinical care, wellness, education and research. As a National Center of Excellence, Home Base operates the first and largest private-sector clinic in the nation devoted to healing invisible wounds such as post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injury, anxiety, depression, co-occurring substance use disorder, military sexual trauma and family relationship challenges.
Dana Farber
In 2017 we supported the Dana Farber Leukemia Research and patient Care raising $200,000, in memory of Donald J. O’Neill. Since its founding in 1947, The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute has been a world leader in cancer research and treatment, renowned for its equal commitment to cutting-edge science and compassionate clinical care. This 50-50 balance is unique among cancer centers, and the catalyst for our “bench to bedside” approach, where researchers and physicians work hand in hand to leverage the latest scientific breakthroughs to benefit the patient.
Juvenile Diabetes
2016 saw the Big Game Battle supporting the Juvenile Diabetes (JDRF), raising $345,000 headed by John Lashar and crew aboard “Lillylulu”. JDRF is the leading global organization funding T1D research. Millions of people around the world live with T1D, a life-threatening autoimmune disease that strikes both children and adults. There is no way to prevent it and at the present, no cure. JDRF works every day to change this by amassing grassroots support, deep scientific knowledge and academic partnerships to fund research.
MS Society
In 2015, we supported the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) raising $68,000 to support research for a cure. MS is a chronic disease of the central nervous system and is currently not curable but there are treatments showing positive results to slow the progression down. This autoimmune disease attacks your body’s own immune system targeting cells in your brain and spinal cord. The National MS Society mobilizes people and resources to drive research for a cure and to address the challenges of everyone affected by MS. Brandon is a board member of the New England Chapter that serves 21,000 individuals and families whose lives are affected by Multiple Sclerosis and will share his story with us.
Boys & Girls Club
In 2014, we supported The Boys and Girls Club of Dorchester raising $60,000 supporting the children and programs the club has to offer. This organization supports over 4100 youth age children facing many disadvantaged circumstances with supporting programs. The mission of the program is “To inspire and enable all young people, from diverse circumstances, to realize their full potential by providing opportunities for personal growth to become contributing, caring and responsible members of the community.
Nantucket Star
In 2013, in honor of George Basset, we chose an on island charity called Nantucket S.T.A.R. Program, and successfully raised $30,000 for the children in need. Their mission is to provide specialized, therapeutic, accessible recreation, and adaptive sports to children with a wide range of challenges and disabilities. Their goal is to leave no child left behind due to the degree of challenges, be it physical, mental, emotional, or neurological. We feel this is a perfect fit giving back to an “on island” cause and hope for your support.
ALS Foundation
In 2012, we chose to support ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Disease raising $28,000 for research with hopes for a cure in the near future. ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that in the later stages leads to the patient being paralyzed with a significantly reduced lifespan.
Children’s Camps
In 2011, we supported two charities. There were 30 boats that participated in the event and successfully together we raised $20,000 to support “Camp Harbor View” and “The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp.” The proceeds will go directly to sponsor three individuals to attend each camp next summer.
Rett Syndrome
The event in 2010 supported the IRSF – International Rett Syndrome Foundation. Rett Syndrome is a devastating developmental disorder that is first recognized in infancy and seen almost always in girls but can be rarely seen in boys. We were able to raise an astounding $45,000 in 2010 for Rett Syndrome.
